Friday, August 28, 2015

Motivation is often innate, not necessarily learned, whether motivating oneself or others.

Motivation is often innate, and it is different for each one according to cognition, personality, and circumstances. Motivation is not only about the feeling, but a combination of several emotions also describes the trajectory of behavior. Motivation fluctuates and when it does can we still be honest and say yes a bit low today. Which requires being in the moment and facing self now. Most of the motivations are a short run, but how to build sustainable motivation? And how to strike the right balance between the two important factors of motivation “push” and “pull”?

Motivation is often innate, not necessarily learned, whether motivating oneself or others. In other words, motivation comes or should come from within. The first step is being real - if this authentic - something we embody, we aspire to be - and move from within and go beyond. Leading by example is one of the most effective methods of motivation, whether it is a personal drive to succeed, to make a difference or helping others to be successful takes different mindsets, attributes, and personal goals. Motivation can come and go just as easy - if it is not the heart desire, a true passion, an authentic expression. Letting people explore where their energy is and then align the energy to work at hand. On the other hand, many expect that nothing needs to be done. Success, however, requires determination, persistence, dedication and practice in the present - right now. Many people live in the future or the past and miss the opportunity at hand.

Motivation is perhaps a combination of several emotions: Focus provides motivation and demolishes negative emotion. Maybe you have to make certain what it is you are going after in that motivation. Motivation is the "cognitive momentum" that comes from consistently applying the habits congruent with the achievement of the goal. Ultimately the answer lies in focus. The purpose is the greatest motivator; a deep desire to make the world a better place and fueled by a sense of gratitude and responsibility that compels you to stay committed. When motivation seems to fade away sometimes, forgiveness of self first heals and recharges so does a good sense of humor.

Motivation goes to sustainability: Giving commitment is hard work requires reward of which can be anything depends on needs. Thus, knowing what makes one to tick is critical. Having attributes of a leader in oneself will be the acumen. So is it easy to tell if the person is motivated or is full of fear? When a person is motivated by fear, the motivation is short lived. After realizing there is nothing to fear, after all, the motivation levels goes down. In an organizational context, this can be very complex. It’s important to develop the process of a corporate pulse that identifies where the pulse/passion/motivation/commitment of the organization lies, and who embodies it - who is willing? Who is motivated out of fear?

From a talent development management perspective, motivation is about creating the greatest value to motivate talent development. It is combining a range of value creating, motivating, value protecting and monitoring strategies. Fear is an effective motivator but only for a short run. As soon as you remove the threat the motivation is removed as well. True leaders don't lead by fear but rather by respect. Mutual respect goes both ways up-and-down the ladder. A motivational leader creates synergy in strengthening positive thinking and driving the good behaviors.